Got To Have It
Ed O.G. and Da Bulldogs Lyrics


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I stay hard like an erection, I'm burnin
suckers who wear protection, now whose next when Ed's flexin
I'm the bread, and you are just a crumb off
Jerkin your jimmy but you still can't come off
I'm from Roxbury, the 'Bury, but not the fruit y'all
Don't make me act like where I come from cause it's bru-tal
Hold my bone, in a zone that's neutral
Soon to be large, the whole nine yards, but I ain't souped y'all
Suckers be swearing that their staring is gonna scare me
Look but don't touch, and if you do be prepared G
to go out, just like your first day off punishment
Da Bulldogs, Roxbury, and Boston is what I represent
The Black United Leaders Livin Directly On Groovin Sounds
At first you didn't know us, but know it's like, "Yo put me down"
We didn't get in there so you can get in with us
You wasn't down when we was ridin the bus
So put on your Adidas, and STEP OFF.. I got to have it

No need for me to run away, brother put the gun away
You want to take my life away as if we were in combat
You can buy some new Adidas but you can't buy my life back
Aiyyo whassup with that? Why is it like that?
Let's stand together y'all... and fight that in our race
To replace waste with a taste, just in case
you can't face the place that you've been put in
If you was my kid, for what you did you'd have a foot in
right in your ass, another term's rectum
Kids are having kids, they're not parents so they let them
do things that shouldn't be done
You're not a father cause you got a son unless you're taking care of him
Crack... is more contagious than rabies
Baseheads broads are havin basehead babies
Now how that sound, not profound
Black people unite, and let's all get down.. I got to have it

I'm not like anyone else, and in your shoes I couldn't be in
The E unto the D unto the O ohh yes be G'n
Da Bulldogs got pull dawg, incitin we be seein
I don't want to, stand on a corner, I'm MCing
Call me, a goody two-shoes, who's in the right shoes be
I don't have to pump jumps or clock G's
It's my turn to go, and I got the right-of-way
You gotta fight your way to see another brighter day
But that's another subject you like it or you love it
Ja-ilers, get jealous, no push but I'ma shove it
But regardless, when times are hardest
I cleaned off the dirt, cause they needed a polish
When you're in like food in your stomach, they want to stick witchu
But when you're out like Elvis, they want to dick you
But hey, that's OK, cause we kept on strivin
and even when T lost his car, we kept on drivin
You had your chance to advance, but you blew it




Now ask yourself this question did you like the way I do it
I got to have it

Overall Meaning

The song "I Got to Have It" by Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs is a powerful social commentary on the realities of life in the urban neighborhoods of Roxbury and Boston. The lyrics describe the harsh realities of urban life, including drug use, crime, and poverty. The first verse focuses on Ed's determination to succeed in the music industry, using provocative sexual metaphors to describe his drive and ambition. He also warns his rivals not to underestimate him, as he represents a larger community of people struggling to survive in Roxbury.


In the second verse, Ed addresses the violence and social inequality that plague his community. He urges his listeners to stand together and fight against the injustices they face. Ed also criticizes absent fathers and parents who fail to take care of their children, highlighting the cycle of poverty and dysfunction that plagues many urban neighborhoods. He also denounces the use of drugs, particularly crack cocaine, which he compares to a contagious disease that destroys families and communities.


Overall, "I Got to Have It" is a powerful and socially conscious hip-hop anthem that addresses the harsh realities of life in the inner city. Ed O.G.'s lyrics blend compelling storytelling with social commentary, highlighting the injustice, poverty, and inequality that continue to afflict urban communities around the world.


Line by Line Meaning

I stay hard like an erection, I'm burnin
I am powerful and unrelenting, and I am causing problems for those who oppose me.


suckers who wear protection, now whose next when Ed's flexin
Even those who think they are protected cannot withstand my strength, and I am always ready for the next challenge.


I'm the bread, and you are just a crumb off
I am the main player in this game, while my opponents are insignificant and only a small part of the picture.


Jerkin your jimmy but you still can't come off
Despite your efforts, you cannot compete with me and achieve the same level of success I have.


I'm from Roxbury, the 'Bury, but not the fruit y'all
I come from a place that may seem unremarkable, but I am anything but ordinary.


Don't make me act like where I come from cause it's bru-tal
Do not provoke me or make me show my tougher side, as it may inflict harm on you or other challengers.


Hold my bone, in a zone that's neutral
I am in control, maintaining a balanced and unbiased position.


Soon to be large, the whole nine yards, but I ain't souped y'all
I am on my way to greatness, but I am not boastful or egotistical about it.


Suckers be swearing that their staring is gonna scare me
My opponents believe that simply looking or staring at me will intimidate me, but they are mistaken.


Look but don't touch, and if you do be prepared G
You can observe me, but do not try to interfere with me or else you will face the consequences.


to go out, just like your first day off punishment
You will fail and suffer the consequences of your actions, just like when someone is released from punishment and repeats the mistake.


Da Bulldogs, Roxbury, and Boston is what I represent
I embody and represent my community and its values with pride.


The Black United Leaders Livin Directly On Groovin Sounds
We are a group of black leaders who are living in harmony and creating positive music together.


At first you didn't know us, but know it's like, "Yo put me down"
Initially, we were not well-known, but now we have gained fame and recognition from others who want to be associated with us.


We didn't get in there so you can get in with us
We worked hard to get where we are and we will not allow others to join us without earning it.


You wasn't down when we was ridin the bus
When we were struggling and had nothing, you were not there for us and therefore do not belong with us now.


So put on your Adidas, and STEP OFF.. I got to have it
Leave us alone and do not try to copy us; I am determined to achieve my goals and nothing will stop me.


No need for me to run away, brother put the gun away
I am not afraid of any threats, and urge others to stop resorting to violence.


You want to take my life away as if we were in combat
Some individuals feel they have the power to end others' lives, as if they are soldiers in a war instead of regular people.


You can buy some new Adidas but you can't buy my life back
Material possessions are replaceable, but a lost life is irreplaceable and cannot be bought back.


Aiyyo whassup with that? Why is it like that?
What is happening in our world that people feel they can take lives without consequences? Why is there so much violence and disregard for human life?


Let's stand together y'all... and fight that in our race
We must unite as a community and challenge the systemic issues that lead to violence and loss of life within our society.


To replace waste with a taste, just in case
We need to create positive change and better things in our world, as a precaution against negative or harmful actions and consequences.


you can't face the place that you've been put in
Some people struggle to cope with the difficult situations they are put in, and may feel helpless to change their circumstances.


If you was my kid, for what you did you'd have a foot in
If you were my child and behaved inappropriately, there would be consequences and repercussions for your actions.


right in your ass, another term's rectum
There would be a punishment or reprimand that makes it clear that your actions were unacceptable and will not be tolerated.


Kids are having kids, they're not parents so they let them
Young people are becoming parents before they are ready, and they may not have the resources or experience to raise a child properly.


do things that shouldn't be done
These young parents may make poor decisions or engage in negative behaviors that harm themselves or their child.


You're not a father cause you got a son unless you're taking care of him
Simply having a child does not make someone a good parent; it is their actions and care towards the child that defines their parental status.


Crack... is more contagious than rabies
The addiction and negative impact of drug use, especially crack, is widespread and can easily spread throughout a community.


Baseheads broads are havin basehead babies
Individuals who are addicted to crack or other drugs may have unsafe or unhealthy sexual habits that lead to unplanned and undesired pregnancies.


Now how that sound, not profound
This reality is not something to aspire to or glorify, but rather a sad and concerning issue in our society.


Black people unite, and let's all get down.. I got to have it
We must come together as a community, especially in the face of these destructive issues, and I am determined to achieve my goals despite the obstacles.


I'm not like anyone else, and in your shoes I couldn't be in
I am unique and individual, and would not want to be in anyone else's position or take on their identity or experiences.


The E unto the D unto the O ohh yes be G'n
This is my distinctive and recognizable name and branding in the music industry.


Da Bulldogs got pull dawg, incitin we be seein
My group, Da Bulldogs, has significant influence and respect within the music scene and we are constantly inspiring others.


I don't want to, stand on a corner, I'm MCing
I do not want to settle for a mundane life or situation; instead, I am pursuing my dreams and utilizing my creative talents.


Call me, a goody two-shoes, who's in the right shoes be
Some may see me as a conformist or overly optimistic, but I know that I am on the right path and my actions are just and effective.


I don't have to pump jumps or clock G's
I do not have to engage in illegal or immoral activities, such as selling drugs or participating in gang culture, to achieve success.


It's my turn to go, and I got the right-of-way
It is my time to shine and take my place in the spotlight, and I will not be held back or limited by anyone else.


You gotta fight your way to see another brighter day
Life can be tough and challenging, but we must persevere and overcome obstacles in order to achieve success and happiness.


But that's another subject you like it or you love it
This topic or idea may not be relevant or important to everyone, but it is my focus and passion.


Ja-ilers, get jealous, no push but I'ma shove it
Others may become envious or resentful of my success, but I will not back down or let them hold me back.


But regardless, when times are hardest
Despite the challenges or difficulties I may face, I will still persevere and overcome them.


I cleaned off the dirt, cause they needed a polish
I am improving and refining myself and my work, because it is necessary to succeed and present oneself well.


When you're in like food in your stomach, they want to stick witchu
When you are doing well and succeeding, others may try to take advantage of you or latch onto your success.


But when you're out like Elvis, they want to dick you
When you are no longer successful or struggling, others may abandon or mistreat you for their benefit.


But hey, that's OK, cause we kept on strivin
Although others may shift or change their attitudes towards me, I will continue to work hard and pursue my goals.


and even when T lost his car, we kept on drivin
Even when we face setbacks or challenges, such as someone in the group losing their car, we will continue to move forward and work towards success.


You had your chance to advance, but you blew it
Others may have had opportunities to succeed or join our group, but they failed to take advantage of them and are now left behind.


Now ask yourself this question did you like the way I do it
I am confident in my abilities and approach, and challenge others to consider whether they would have been successful or effective in my position.


I got to have it
I am determined to achieve my goals and will stop at nothing to make them a reality.




Lyrics © THIRD SIDE MUSIC INC., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: EDWARD ANDERSON, HAMILTON FREDERICK BOHANNON, KEVIN BONNERS, TED WHITING

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Jordiiz_

A Moment Of Silence For Those Who Haven't Heard This Song

@rickytaylor7893

Word!

@traviscarter1023

Remember it from a kid

@jefferylittlejohn184

Preach!

@jowernberg123

It's a real shame

@sndselecta

how about u just let them sleep

33 More Replies...

@9MagTV

Whole Album Was On Repeat In 91. I was 24

@kevinwilliams7252

I was 12 bro.👍🏿👊🏿💯

@toriano433

ED O was so slept on. This song is a masterpiece.

@maroon9273

Should had his push when this album out with a plague. Everyone was overlooking edo.

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